Fj Pics

[W Petz]

Edgar,

I know you didn't mean that ....I just went a bit further than you putting it on those who claim they are original. Let me also say I am not questioning anyone's character here. I'm stating in my opinion they are reenactor photos..based on what I see and my experience with photos and reenactments. Nothing here has shown me anything different. Bill

Bill, I understand you point of view and I agree with it. But keep in mind that I never meant/said that YOU from Holland (or me from Sweden) should visit the archive just to prove they are fakes/real.
Edgar

[Edgar Alcidi]

Hello,
i think you can trust in a fellow member like JYN, when he told you they are real...but if you want to believe they are fake...no problem...
Herlé

Bill no problems here . This is not a question of trust Herle´or Jean-Yves. I prize both as fellow collectors/experts. It would be another story if the pics where on their hands. But they are not and from the scans they look odd.
As usual, my personal opinion..
Edgar

[H BABERT]

Herlé, please note that I never stated the photo was not genuine nor staged. My only comment is that the camo side of the padded jacket being outermost in the snow is odd. I make no judgement on the photo's authenticity until more information is known. However, given certain details, I believe Bill's reservations are well founded. I might add that I have the utmost respect for you and Jean-Yves and would never doubt either of you.

Regards,
John

Hello,
no problem John!, but i think in many case we can see in period picture some strange way to wear equipment or non regulation one... I must go to the ECPA in the next months, and as i know some guy there, will take some picture of back of these ...
regards from Brittany
Herlé

[jmehner]

My only comment is that the camo side of the padded jacket being outermost in the snow is odd.

Not unusual in a wooded area, as wearing the white side out would be very visible against the darker background of the trees when walking upright and if prone, you get lost in the ground clutter- also a reason why only parts of modern day military vehicles are painted white when in a wooded area and not out in the plains.

But I am also quite convinced that we are looking at reenactors, for a variety of reasons.

Cheers,

JM

[D. Löwenhamn]

I'm sorry guys but I'd say that the photo is authentic. The French article is one in a series of articles, all with similar photos containing Marders, Grilles, StuG IIIG's, RSO Ost, Kettenkrads and a shot roe deer. I have read a bit about Skijägers and the photos match photos from other sources when it comes to clothes, equipment and so on. Also, some of the photos, or photos apparently from the same series, I have seen elsewhere.

Best regards/ Daniel

[Jean-Loup]

If these pictures are fake, wouldnt that be a serious case of fraud on militaria magazines part? I would think if they were reenactors, their faces would have been recognised by french readers, and there would already be a scandal going on on the various forums...

JL

[W Petz]

Jean-Loup,

I'm not accusing Militaria Magazine of Fraud...I'm just stating in my opinion the photo presented is a reenactor photo. JYN has sent me scans of the other photos in Militaria Magazine...I will have to admit some of those photos are most likely original as they appear to have been engaged in some action but I can still see quite a bit of difference between those pics and the one presented as being part of the same series. I have already mentioned that the French reenactors do a great job and are very meticulous but that one photo isn't quite right and appears staged. I have a stack of Militaria magazines and I enjoy looking at them but a lot of their photos show French Collectors or reenactors dressed up in original uniforms. With this particular photo I remain unconvinced until the proof is shown. Bill

A WAF member asked me to post this photo for him...real or fake?????

If these pictures are fake, wouldnt that be a serious case of fraud on militaria magazines part? I would think if they were reenactors, their faces would have been recognised by french readers, and there would already be a scandal going on on the various forums...

JL

[inimicus]

well, for starters, why is this trooper wearing TROPICAL MP40 pouches? obviously for Europe he should have dark ones. that said, I like the "beater" canteen, issue tocque and the old civilian scarf. looks to be a cold climate. also making me think it's period is the MP40 stock is EXTENDED. and yet where are his issue wool ribbed GLOVES... or any handwear?

for an additional "on the other hand," if this is posed and not a genuine combat picture, why is the bolt back for firing? (see the open ejection port.)...

the question remains: are the devils in the countless details as some insist? or, as I and others pointed out, are these just cases of poor "supply chain management" in remote regions?

[D. Löwenhamn]

A WAF member asked me to post this photo for him...real or fake?????

I'd say fake too. Setting looks like Oregon, California or something.

[Maus]

Thats a reenacting picture!!

[TonicDk]

MP40 tropical pouches where also used in the ardennes, just watch the pics from the Poteau ambush.
Thomas

[WEISNER]

Old thread wakes up!!! I agree the last photo posted by Bill is a recent shot as was the photo questioned years back! The re enactor in that photo looks to be around 35-40 years old.... Also seems no proof positive ever materialized?
Great what if photo though!
Kevin